Virginity. The big "V" word. It's one of the few things that once you get rid of, you can never get back. Some women hold it with high respect, other's just see it as something to get over while growing up. Losing your virginity is right up there with having your first period - they both signal that a girl is a woman, at least physically.
The choice to have sex and lose your virginity is one that should be extremely personal and shouldn't be made with any pressure from outside sources. Unfortunately for many women, especially younger ones, this choice is surrounded with pressure from all sorts of sources.
Many young women feel pressure at an early age to lose their virginity when they may not be ready to. This pressure can come from many sources, including their friends and potential sex partners. These people are supposed to be the people who care about you and want you to be your best. However, sometimes they aren't always looking out for you like they should. Sometimes they are simply giving into the same pressure that is being used against you.
Teenage boyfriends are notorious for threatening to break-up with their girlfriends if she won't "put out". Those are the boyfriends that aren't worth keeping. If they are willing to throw away a relationship simply because a physical need won't be met, then they aren't going to stick around with you when you really need them. The people who respect your decisions and choices are the ones you want to stay with you.
Teenagers have a tendency to want to grow up quickly and be independent. Being sexualy active is something that is often associated with adulthood. This is because of the deep, emotional feelings that come along with a sexual relationship. Just because you are sexually active, doesn't make you a mature adult. If you are responsible and aware of the possible consequences of your actions (and willing to deal with those consequences), that makes you a mature adult. Sometimes having enough courage to say "No" to starting a sexual relationship (because you know that you aren't ready) is a sure sign of adult maturity. There's nothing that says you can't be mature if you are a virgin.
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